What to think about before installing a new driveway?

If you’re thinking about a new driveway – great!

Not only will a new attractive and good quality driveway refresh the look and functionality of your property, but the increased curb appeal makes it a worthwhile investment, adding up to 10% to the value of your home. So it’s important that you take the time to seriously think about what you want to achieve. This month we’re taking a look at the factors you should consider when it comes to creating the perfect driveway for you and your home.

How do you use the area?

This should be the first consideration when it comes to planning any landscape but especially driveways, where you will need sufficient space to park your vehicle(s) and to maneuver onto and off of the public road safely. Perhaps, the best place to start thinking about this is to consider what isn’t working for you at the moment. Is it no longer big enough to suit your needs? Do you need steps to enter your property or would you like to create a new flowerbed to properly support your plants?

Figuring out what is wrong with your current driveway and conveying this to us during the consultation process will help us in designing an entrance to your home that is truly bespoke to your requirements and tastes.

How do you want your driveway to look?

A new driveway is an opportunity to add a truly personal statement about yourselves to your property. It’s the space that offers the first impression to guests and passersby, so you should take the time to consider how you want to remake the look of your home with a beautifully designed and well-constructed driveway.

Every detail is considered and discussed during our design and consultation service – we’ll compare a wide range of material(s) that fit within your vision, suit your property and would practically work; we’ll look at creating features using brickwork, flowerbeds and steps or using a combination of materials to distinguish dedicated areas such as paths or parking areas; and much more. With over 20 years’ experience, we have to expertise to challenge these ideas with the technical requirements of your projects so that we can create a high quality driveway that will maintain its good looks for years to come.

How much maintenance is required?

Maintenance and care required for your driveway will differ depending on the material(s) you decide to use – even the most durable materials will require some level of maintenance. Block paving presents the benefit of sealcoating options as well as the ability to easily remove and replace individual blocks without disrupting the paving. Gravel is easier to maintain – if any gaps appear, this need only be replenished with new gravel. Although this is unlikely to be the deciding factor, it is always good to consider this.

What technical details need to be considered?

Local councils are increasingly concerned about drainage and rightfully so, inadequate drainage can lead to surface water flooding public roads or, even worse, your home. An experienced specialist will be able to consider what drainage is required – they can consider the slope that will need to be achieved and what type of drainage system will be able to cope with the amount of water that can accumulate, if existing soakaways will be adequate or if a new one will need to be constructed and the types of materials that will be suitable for the project.

Taking the time to carefully consider these factors to create a well-thought, high quality driveway is an investment that you will reap the benefits from for many years to come.